Ottercombe Bay – Part Four: Shaken and Stirred

‘Save me?’ Daisy was sceptical.

‘These people Guillaume is mixed up with are career criminals and the woman who chased you was carrying a knife.’ Jason’s usually jovial expression was beyond serious.

Daisy tried to take in what he’d said. ‘A knife?’

Jason blinked slowly. ‘If Pasco hadn’t been keeping an eye on you …’

‘Pasco was watching me? What, like a stalker?’

‘No. He was suspicious of Guillaume and he’s been worried about you … and Max too. He had quite a bit of useful information to impart, some of which we’ve been able to back up with CCTV footage. Anyway, I have already said far too much. But go easy on Pasco. I honestly think he’s turned over a new leaf. And your lift is waiting.’ He indicated Tamsyn’s head peeping through the door.

‘Thanks, Jason.’ Daisy reached up and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Jason blushed slightly. ‘Out or I’ll have you arrested for assaulting a police officer.’

Armed with this new information Daisy scanned the street outside for Pasco but there was no sign of him or Max.

‘Where’ve the others gone?’

‘Pub, I think,’ said Tamsyn.

‘At this time in the morning? Come on, I need to talk to both of them.’

Unsurprisingly they found Max and Pasco in the first pub they came to. Neither looked pleased to see them walk in.

‘Would you mind getting me a Diet Coke please, Tamsyn?’ said Daisy, who was eager to speak to Max and Pasco alone. Tamsyn dutifully went to the bar and Daisy pulled up a chair.

‘Daisy, I have had a shit night. Please can you have a go at me later after I’ve had some sleep and bought some ear plugs?’ asked Max.

Daisy ignored him. ‘Pasco, where is my mother’s locket?’

Pasco frowned and signalled to Max who put his hand in his pocket. Daisy could hardly believe her eyes when Max unfurled his fingers in front of her to reveal her locket. Daisy sobbed as she took it from him and clasped it tightly in both hands. The relief of being reunited with it was immense. She uncurled her fingers and stared at it. Every detail etched in her memory exactly how she remembered it and now it was safe again. Daisy sniffed and roughly wiped the tears from her eyes. Now wasn’t the time for sentimentality, now was the time for angry accusations.

‘Which one of you stole it?’

Pasco leaned forward to rest his elbows on his thighs and brought his hands together to create a steeple shape. ‘I’m not certain it is stealing if you are taking back your own property.’

Daisy gave a hollow laugh but seeing the stony looks on both Pasco and Max’s faces she stopped. ‘What do you mean your property? This was my mother’s.’

Pasco shook his head slowly and pursed his lips. ‘That locket is a Davey family heirloom. It’s been passed down through my family for generations. It’s French.’

‘I know,’ said Daisy, feeling bewildered. She clutched the locket tighter between her fingers.

‘I think one of my ancestors probably stole it during the French Revolution.’ Pasco took a deep breath. ‘I’m sorry I took it without explaining. It looked like old Reg had left the window open and I thought I’d shut it to put off any passing thieves.’ Daisy’s eyebrows danced at the irony. ‘I just saw the locket there on the cabinet and I knew it was the same one.’